1st Skills Driving & Riding School

619 Main St #160, 81501, Grand Junction

Welcome to 1st Skills Driving & Riding School, your premier destination for comprehensive driving and motorcycle training in Grand Junction, Colorado. We offer a full suite of services tailored for all ages and experience levels, ensuring that you gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the roads safely.

Our programs include new driver training, advanced motorcycle courses, and specialized services for teens, adults, and seniors. We also provide third-party drive tests to facilitate your journey toward obtaining a Colorado driver’s license or motorcycle endorsement. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your skills, our expert instructors are here to help you every step of the way.

At 1st Skills, we pride ourselves on our experienced team, which includes retired law enforcement officers and seasoned drivers who are committed to instilling the importance of safe driving practices. Our mission is simple: to create safe drivers.

We are not just a school; we are a community that nurtures your growth behind the wheel. Join us at our Grand Junction location or our Delta branch and experience the difference of personalized driving education!

Opening hours

  • sunday: (closed)
  • monday: 9h-16:30
  • tuesday: 9h-16:30
  • wednesday: 9h-16:30
  • thursday: 9h-16:30
  • friday: 9h-16:30
  • saturday: (closed)

Photos of 1st Skills Driving & Riding School

1st Skills Driving & Riding School

Our comment from DrivingSchools.Directory about 1st Skills Driving & Riding School:

Experienced Instructors and Comprehensive Driver Training

1st Skills Driving & Riding School in Grand Junction, Colorado, is widely recognized for its dedicated team of instructors, including former police officers and veteran drivers, who are committed to fostering safe driving habits. Many students highlight the patience and professionalism of specific instructors like Paul and Brett, who are praised for calming nervous test-takers and providing clear, supportive guidance. The school offers a complete range of services, from initial permit tests to road tests and advanced motorcycle safety courses, ensuring learners of all ages and experience levels receive personalized attention.

Flexible Courses and Affordable Testing Options

The school stands out for its competitive pricing and flexible service options. A major advantage noted by users is the ability to use your own insured vehicle for the driving test, or opt for a provided vehicle for a small fee, which eliminates the need for separate insurance arrangements. With driving tests priced significantly lower than many competitors, families value the cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. The curriculum covers essential skills, including defensive driving, car mechanics, and road laws, preparing students thoroughly for real-world driving.

Motorcycle Training and Specialized Programs

Beyond standard driver education, 1st Skills excels in motorcycle safety classes. Instructors like Chris are commended for their ability to build confidence in new riders, regardless of their height or prior experience. The school also offers specialized programs for teenagers, adults, and seniors, including driver awareness classes and supervised drive times that introduce students to complex scenarios they might not encounter in daily practice. These comprehensive programs help students gain the confidence needed to navigate public roads safely.

Student Success and Supportive Environment

While some reviews mention challenges with scheduling or finding the location due to its shared building setup, the majority of students report a positive and encouraging experience. The staff is generally described as helpful in explaining parking instructions and test procedures. Many parents appreciate the school's focus on safety and the detailed feedback provided after tests, which helps students improve for their next attempt. With a high number of students passing their tests on the first try and receiving their licenses the same day, 1st Skills remains a trusted choice for obtaining driving credentials in Colorado.

1st Skills Driving & Riding School: Reviews

3.3/5 (59 Reviews)

The most recent reviews on Google

cherilyn amendola Published on Google 1 year ago

Negative experience: They are horrible they can down the fact that their instructors are having people stopped in the middle of traffic trying to cause a traffic jam or an accident and then it's like oh there's two instructors in there and everything this isn't the first time I've almost been hit because of this company is really sad did these children who are supposed to be learning how to drive aren't being allowed that because his company won't teach them

Zlata Kirschner Published on Google 1 year ago

Fantastic experience: Last week I took driving test here. It was amazing! The instructions on how to find the school and where to park were sent to me in advance, so I looked it up on google maps and didn’t have any issues. My test instructor was Paul. After I got in the vehicle I was very scared and nervous as it was my 1st driving test. But Paul did everything he could to make me comfortable and more relaxed. I passed the test on the 1st try and got my license the same day in DMV. The best advice I got before the test and would like to pass it along is: the test is not to see how good of a driver you are, but to see how careful and cautious you are. Just obey traffic rules, be patient, don’t rush and you will be fine! Amazing place, I am grateful for my experience. Thank you!

1st Skills Driving & Riding School
1st Skills Driving & Riding School

Dearest Zlata;
First off, thank you for taking the time to give us your review! We deeply appreciate it. It seems these days that those who do not take their own responsibility are quick to criticize. It's refreshing to hear from someone who was prepared and did a great job. The results of the test is not dependent on the one recording the events, but on the one who performs according to standards. Thank you for complimenting my efforts to make the situation as comfortable as possible, We recognize this can be a very stressful experience. I do try my best to make it as comfortable an experience as possible, Again, we thank you for taking your time to let others read about your experience. There are many more positive than negative, but the voices always tend to come more from the less pleased. Thank You!

Aaron Reynolds Published on Google 1 year ago

Negative experience: Horrible experience. The previous reviews speak volumes as to the character and integrity of the place. Customer service is awful. The driving instructor makes you feel uncomfortable and is very rude. He could care less about making you a better driver or helping with the experience... he's just in it to rob you of your money and then waste time on Google defending himself in countless bad reviews. Go elsewhere.

1st Skills Driving & Riding School
1st Skills Driving & Riding School

Well,, speaking of Rude! I am not sure how anybody was rude to you. You contacted us for a drive test appointment, and the appointment was scheduled. That was pretty brief contact. The girls are usually polite and helpful. As far as instruction, you didn't come to us for instruction. The state does not allow instruction during a 'Drive Test'. It is true that most people are nervous during a test. We understand this. You were greeted with a hello, and asked how you are doing. You received patient instructions about the test. I do my best to create as comfortable an environment as possible. You did receive instruction after the test however. I took the time to patiently explain why you did not pass. This is not a requirement to this degree. If I was rude I would have just said you did not pass and asked you to be on your way. However, I take the time to help you be more successful on your retest. Just to show you how little worried we are about 'robbing' you, we promise not to take anymore of your money. Thank You.

Marcela Published on Google 1 year ago

Negative experience: Very POOR COSTUMER service, RUDE ladies .

1st Skills Driving & Riding School
1st Skills Driving & Riding School

OK, this one actually digs into my craw a little bit. Let me set the scenario for you. Seven days before your appointment I fell and broke my ankle. I was advised medically to not put weight or strain for two weeks. However, I knew that people had waited quite a while for their appointments. I did of course cancel the appointments the day of and two days after, but I did my best to honor the appointments beginning this week. We came up with an arrangement where I would stay out in the vehicle and the girls in the office would do the paperwork for me and send the clients to the car. These appointments,, as many people know, only have a five minute window. If you cannot make it within five minutes of your appointment time, typically we are unable to accommodate. The office reached out to me with your situation and I answered that I would give you an additional 5 minutes since I had the assistance of the office. One of the ladies you called rude never even had an opportunity to say anything to you. The woman who greeted you was polite and accommodating until your were abrasive about us not being able to complete your appointment when surpassing the 10 minutes we allowed you. We all have commitments we need to be responsible for. You are not aware of the other responsibilities we have to meet as well. The office ran up against responsibilities they needed to complete and acted on the requests I gave them. I appreciate their efforts to help me service these appointments. You stated in the office that you made this appointment two months in advance. I can't understand how this was not enough time to make sure you would be in the correct location at the required time. We cannot accommodate you not being in the correct location.

Kidz Gulliford Published on Google 1 year ago

Negative experience: Rudest place ever, doesn't have proper address and directions nor proper signage on the front of the business yet wants to hold clients accountable for not being able to find the business. Can absolutely see why that man is so grouchy he clearly doesn't have any pleasure in life and has nothing better to do then cause others trouble.

1st Skills Driving & Riding School
1st Skills Driving & Riding School

Well I of course have to challenge the 'rudest place ever' comment. We are often thanked for being helpful and polite. People do sometimes tend to be aggravated when they find themselves caught in a lack of planning and place the blame on others. Appointments are usually made well before the actual test date. The address is clearly on the front and rear of the building. Many these days depend on Google type mapping services at the last minute to pinpoint the exact location they need to be. Unfortunately downtown these services can be inaccurate and confusing. As far as signage, the owner of the building does not allow us signage on the front of the building. However, when making the appointment, and in the confirmation text just before the appointment, you are given the address of the building and instructed to park in the large public parking lot behind the building off of Colorado Ave. On the rear of the building we have a very large banner right next to the entry door, and as previously stated the address is clearly on front and rear of building. As far as my 'pleasure in life' I whole heartedly disagree. I am happily married, have raised happy children, have been blessed with many lovely grandchildren, and find pleasure in all of them. I enjoy photography, 4 wheeling in a built Jeep, riding my motorcycles which I have done my entire life, and just truly enjoy the blessing of every day and all the people the Lord puts in my life. I actually find it bewildering that you would make such an presumptuous statement. I truly hope your life is as enjoyable. God Bless.

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